The Practice of Contemplation in the Work of Gurdjieff. (1st December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Azize, Joseph
• Is Part Of: International journal for the study of new religions. Volume 6:Number 2(2015)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 156
• Publication Date: 2015-12-01
• Subjects: gurdjieff -- new religious movements -- meditation -- p. d. ouspensky -- contemplation; Cults -- Periodicals; Sects -- Periodicals; 209.05
• DOI: 10.1558/ijsnr.v6i2.28944
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-9511

Abstract

Abstract : In Beelzebub's Tales to his Grandson, Gurdjieff writes of the critical importance of "Aiëssirittoorassnian-contemplation" for the formation of the "soul". First, I discuss some definitions of "meditation" and "contemplation" in relation to Gurdjieff's practices with a view to determining the most appropriate term. Second, commencing with Beelzebub, but ranging across Gurdjieff's oeuvre, I explore his understanding of the "soul", and "Aiëssirittoorassnian-contemplation". I then examine Gurdjieff's first recorded contemplative technique, the "I Am" exercise, thus illuminating an under-appreciated aspect of Gurdjieff's practice. It transpires that Gurdjieff's contemplative techniques are more significant to his practical teaching than previously suspected.